Math Problem Statement

Using MVT show |sinx|<=|x| for all x in R

Solution

To show that sinxx| \sin x | \leq | x | for all xRx \in \mathbb{R} using the Mean Value Theorem (MVT), we'll proceed as follows:

1. Understanding the MVT:

The Mean Value Theorem (MVT) states that if a function ff is continuous on the interval [a,b][a, b] and differentiable on (a,b)(a, b), then there exists at least one point c(a,b)c \in (a, b) such that:

f(c)=f(b)f(a)baf'(c) = \frac{f(b) - f(a)}{b - a}

In our case, we will apply this to the function f(x)=sinxf(x) = \sin x on the interval [0,x][0, x] for x0x \neq 0.

2. Applying the MVT:

Let's consider the function f(x)=sinxf(x) = \sin x. We know that sinx\sin x is continuous and differentiable on R\mathbb{R}, so we can apply the MVT to f(x)f(x) on the interval [0,x][0, x] for x0x \neq 0.

By the MVT, there exists some c(0,x)c \in (0, x) such that:

sinxsin0x0=cos(c)\frac{\sin x - \sin 0}{x - 0} = \cos(c)

Since sin0=0\sin 0 = 0, this simplifies to:

sinxx=cos(c)\frac{\sin x}{x} = \cos(c)

Thus, we have:

sinx=xcos(c)\sin x = x \cos(c)

3. Bounding sinx|\sin x|:

From the equation sinx=xcos(c)\sin x = x \cos(c), we take the absolute value of both sides:

sinx=xcos(c)|\sin x| = |x \cos(c)|

Since cos(c)1|\cos(c)| \leq 1 for all cc, it follows that:

sinxx|\sin x| \leq |x|

4. Conclusion:

We have shown that sinxx|\sin x| \leq |x| for all x0x \neq 0 using the MVT. For x=0x = 0, sin0=0\sin 0 = 0, so the inequality holds trivially.

Thus, the inequality sinxx|\sin x| \leq |x| holds for all xRx \in \mathbb{R}.


Would you like to explore further details or need more clarifications? Here's a set of related questions:

  1. How can we extend this result to other trigonometric functions using the MVT?
  2. What is the connection between the MVT and the Taylor series of sinx\sin x?
  3. How does this result compare with the approximation sinxx\sin x \approx x for small xx?
  4. Can the MVT be applied to prove other inequalities like cosx1\cos x \leq 1?
  5. What are the assumptions required for the MVT to be applicable?

Tip: The MVT provides a powerful tool for proving inequalities in calculus, especially when working with differentiable functions like trigonometric functions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Calculus
Trigonometry
Inequalities

Formulas

Mean Value Theorem: f'(c) = (f(b) - f(a)) / (b - a)
sin(x) = x * cos(c)
|sin(x)| <= |x|

Theorems

Mean Value Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

College-level (Calculus 1)